Outstanding Library Advocates to be Honored in 2000
Outstanding library advocates of the 20th century will be honored at a banquet during the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago in July. A National Advocacy Honor Roll has been announced by ALA President Sarah Ann Long in cooperation with the newly renamed Association for Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), a division of ALA.
Up to five honorees from each state and up to five posthumous honorees were selected to be honored at the banquet. Colorado's honorees are:
Camila Alire
For ongoing advocacy for library service to ethnic minorities. Dr. Alire took the lead in establishing a statewide committee on Library Services to Ethnic Minority Populations in Colorado. The work of the committee includes workshops, at which Dr. Alire is a frequent presenter; a scholarship for a person who commits to working with ethnic minorities; and a mentoring program to pair ethnic minority librarians and potential librarians with Colorado library leaders. Dr. Alire was the first recipient of the Colorado Library Association's Award for Exemplary Services to Minority populations and the first recipient of the ALA Elizabeth Futas Award. She is also the author of Library Services to Latino Communities, which gives encouragement and guidance to libraries seeking to provide library service to ethnic minorities.Nancy Bolt
For leadership in support of libraries during her tenure as Colorado State Librarian. Ms. Bolt has been Colorado State Librarian since 1987. During that time, she has initiated the development of the Access Colorado Library and Information Network; initiated the establishment of the Colorado Library Card program, allowing Colorado residents to borrow materials from any public, school, or academic library in the state; acquired a new building for the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; established the Colorado Center for the Book; ensured that libraries are included in prominent state telecommunication legislation; established a successful e-rate discount education program; and invited Emporia State University to bring ALA-accredited library graduate education to Colorado after an absence of 15 years.Evelyn Brewster
In her 24 years as the public library consultant at the Colorado State Library, Evelyn Brewster worked tirelessly for the development of public library services statewide through consolidating and forming new libraries, establishing county libraries, training librarians and trustees, establishing public library systems, implementing Library Services and Construction Act grants for local libraries, and developing the County Equalization Grant program. Mrs. Brewster traveled the state extensively representing the State Library, and her consulting was characterized by her congenial manner and remarkable ability to bring groups together in support of libraries. She was recognized by the Colorado Library Association as the 1976 Colorado Librarian of the Year and received the Mountain Plains Library Association Distinguished Service Award in 1978.Donna Jones Morris
For unstinting advocacy on behalf of libraries, Donna Jones Morris, Executive Director, Arkansas Valley Regional Library Service System, Pueblo, was selected. She served as co-chair of the Colorado Library Association Legislative Committee from 1995-98. During this time, she persisted in building better relationships with key legislators, particularly the members of the state's powerful Joint Budget Committee. During her tenure as co-chair, Morris coordinated the successful campaign that added over one million dollars in ongoing state funds to support Colorado library programs. Morris has also been president of the Colorado Library Association (CLA) and received three awards from CLA: the Career Achievement Award in 1998, the Project of the Year (Near Project) Award in 1996, and the Librarian of the Year Award in 1992.Larry Wilkinson
When Larry moved to Telluride in the early 1970's, not only was there no ski area, but there was no library. Deciding that something had to be done, Larry and his wife Betty established, on their own, the Telluride Community Library, Inc. in an old, dilapidated Quonset hut. As they searched for a permanent home for the library, they found the old jail that was no more than a pile of rocks and bars. Finally securing a lease from the town, they set about rebuilding the old jail while going to the voters to establish a legal San Miguel County Public Library District #1. Now, the second new library under construction – some 30,000 square feet – the Wilkinson Library will be a jewel in the Telluride community. Larry went on to serve on numerous statewide committees, served as chairman of the board of the Pathfinder Library System for over 20 years, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1985 by the Colorado Library Association. He has been a continuing asset to Telluride, as well as to the entire Colorado library community.MColorado's honorees for posthumous recognition are:
- Gordon Bennett
- John Irwin
- Pauline Seely
- Clyde Walton
- Malcolm Wyer
Sarah Ann Long, 1999/2000 ALA President, said, "Library trustees and advocates are often the 'unsung heroes' in their communities. I can't think of a better way to showcase how 'libraries build community' than by honoring those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to America's libraries."
The purpose of the National Advocacy Honor Roll is to identify and celebrate those individuals and groups who have actively supported and strengthened library services at the local, state, or national levels over the last 100 years. The honorees are advocates who have led major initiatives or sustained efforts to enhance library development and/or public awareness. Their accomplishments are noteworthy and provide models for others who wish to expand advocacy efforts.
Each state library will receive a plaque listing their state's honor roll advocates to display in their facilities.
Click here to return to the Centennial State Libraries April 2000 Index Page.